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WHAT TYPE OF DIGITAL CAMERA SHOULD, I BUY?

by Joyce MacKenzie

Digital cameras are not all that different from film cameras, but there are a few things you should know before you take the plunge. Whether it is for yourself, another family member, or friend, you must ask yourself the following 3 questions;

Am I the casual point-and-shoot person who just takes pictures now and then of the family and friends, or, am I the serious photographer who takes many pictures, and enjoys photography as a hobby? There are MANY digital cameras for both groups.

If I consider myself a serious photographer, then what do I photograph most often? People, scenery, travel, sports events, close-ups of flowers, etc

Finally, and perhaps most important, how much do I want to spend?

Once these 3 questions have been answered, you are well along the way in deciding which camera to buy. Unless you are absolutely sure you can handle, and will like a digital camera, consider starting "small". Don't spend too much!

When you start looking, and I'd do a LOT of that, you'll run into a few new words or phrases that will sound foreign to you. So why don't we "define" those first.

You'll see "megapixel" and "optical zoom" used a lot in advertising. Briefly, this is what they mean: a megapixel (one million pixels) simply refers to RESOLUTION, or How big a picture can I make with this camera? The more pixels, the better and larger the picture. Ex.: 1-2 megapixels(mp) will be OK for small 4"x6" snapshots. 3-4 mp will be fine for an 8x10, and even an 11x14 (providing you use most of the frame), 5 or more mp's is frosting on the cake. If you're into 16 x 20 and larger prints, this is what need. The more mega pixels, the larger and finer print that can be made.

Optical zoom (there is digital zoom which you can ignore ) just gives you an idea of how "long" the lens can extend in millimeters. Ex: 3 x optical zoom is about equivalent to a 35mm to 135mm standard lens. Where as, a 12 x zoom extends from about 35 mm to 240mm All the others fall in between. The sales person can usually tell you what the others refer to. (That's another point, buy where you trust the sales person to know something about digital photography.)2.

Other features of the digital camera are the LCD Monitor on the back of every digital camera, and the bigger the better. It allows you to see the picture before AND AFTER it is taken, permitting a check on exposure and sharpness.

Still another feature of the digital camera is the "mode dial". If you're a point-n-shoot person just set it at "P" for program mode, and forget it. If you want control (some or a lot) over the exposure, then the MODE DIAL is an important feature. There are 4-5 simple mode settings, based on what you are shooting. They are identified by small icons on the dial.

For PORTRAITS , people pictures where you want the background blurred, the icon is a profile silhouette of a person's head.

For SPORTS the icon is a side view of a runner. It sets a fast shutter speed.

For SCENERY , the icon looks like mountains in profile.

For MACRO or close-up photos, the icon is usually a tulip.

All of these modes will automatically adjust the diaphragm opening and shutter speed appropriately for the picture to be taken.

On some of the more advanced cameras you'll see a few letters, as well as the icons.

The letter "P" is for program mode, set it and point-n-shoot.

Then there is a group of letters: A/ S/ M They stand for: "A" Aperture priority. Choose an aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed.

"S" Shutter priority. Choose a shutter speed and the camera sets the aperture.

"M" is a totally manual mode; you must set everything (focus, aperture, & shutter speed)

Other features I'll mention briefly: IMAGE STABILIZATION (helps keep the camera steady in your hands).

Flash : most have a built-in, the more advanced have an additional "hot shoe" for a 2nd flash.

WHITE BALANCE : helps with color adjustment.

BURST MODE : allows for 4 to 8 fast shots in succession. Good for sports to stop action.

Finally, batteries . Some cameras use 4 - AA NiMH; others, a single Ah Li-ion.

AND The Memory card (the "film" for a digital) in several sizes, your manual will tell you which one.

These features are present in most of the digital cameras, if not, it's a Point-n-Shoot.

Let's sum up with what to look for in a camera for the type of pictures you like to take.

For BEGINNERS or the casual point-n-shoot photographer.

A 3x ZOOM LENS is enough

PROGRAM MODE (the other programed icons would be nice, as well)

Image STABILIZATION

Built-in FLASH

INEXPENSIVE

TRAVEL and LANDSCAPE pictures.

Minimum of 4 MEGAPIXELS, 6-8 is much better

A long lens .... 6 to 10 x ZOOM lens, or longer(with wide, 28-35mm).

PORTABILITY, smaller and light weight (IF it has the other things necessary).

Image STABILIZATION. A tripod is a good idea, too.

Full MANUAL capabilities

LOW ISO - 50-100 Powered by long life batteries, or AA type(available nearlyeverywhere)carry extras!

Polarizing filter.

SPORTS photography.

Fast, Telephoto lens (or 8-12x zoom)

No shutter lag.

BURST capable (4-8 shots in a single exposure)

High ISO (400)

Fast MEMORY CARD

PEOPLE & PORTRAITS

4-6 X OPTICAL ZOOM PORTRAIT MODE

Wide APERTURE ... at least 2.8

WHITE BALLANCE- for accurate skin color

FLASH (built-in and a hot shoe for extra off-camera light)

TRIPOD is handy for formal portraits

CLOSE-UP PHOTOS

MACRO MODE is required

3 x zoom is adequate

WHITE BALLANCE is good

IMAGE STABILIATION essential

TRIPOD is almost necessary

as well as a PORTABLE BACKGROUND

Before shopping, let me suggest that you try to find a photography magazine like Popular Photography, so you may go through their ads to see what's interesting. ALSO, try to find a copy of the July, 2006 Consumer's Report. They've done a good revue of many cameras telling which THEY think is the best (but they're all very close). They've even done a record on repairs that is interesting.

NEXT: WHERE TO BUY YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA

Of course the local stores are the most convenient, but don't usually have the best prices However, go, see, and hold the camera get the feel of it in your hands, as well as checking prices. If you have time go to Asheville and check out Best Buy, and Circuit City .

Since you are all very familiar with the computer, I'll recommend a few sites for you to explore.

BIZRATE and PRICEGRABBER are probably familiar to most of you. Or you may have a better one. Try them ALL! I happen to like these two. Anyway, go to the photography section. You'll be able to make comparisons, get prices, etc. If you're a little nervous about buying over the internet, don't be. I've bought all my equipment there since moving here. Just be SURE you stick to the ones with 4 1/2 to five stars. (Most of them list their PHONE #, so I call, and talk with a sales person, asking questions I might have, then place the order with him. I've had good luck each tune. The trick is in picking the right dealer. Many are in NYC and rather abrupt, if you can't soften him up, HANG UP and call later, you'll probably get someone else.

I'll conclude with a list of dealers with whom I have had a successful experience.

REAL STORES:   B&H Photo(the pro's favorite): www.bhphotovideo.com

  ADORAMA: www. adorama.com

SAMY'S CAMERA: www. samys.com

and good ol' WILLOUGHBY 'S: www. willoughbys. com. (bought most of my first equipment from them, over 40 yrs ago, in their NY store.

ON-LINE"stores":NEW EGG (see BizRate or PriceGrabber),PC NATION,CRUTCHFIELD

ADORAMA; B&H PHOTO; WILLOUGHBY 'S(addresses above) You may already have a favorite store, but compare prices with those above, too.

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